pot at paws

General information

Insurance

All insurance must cover public liability and include Fingal County Council and Ardgillan Castle Ltd for €6,500,000. Additional insurance coverage or higher limits may be required based upon the risk level. These will be determined when the application is reviewed by risk managers. This additional coverage may include a higher limit for General Liability. Other insurance coverage may be required.

Risk Assessments are required for all work carried out inside the castle.

We also require all that an activity/disclaimer agreement is filled out before all work commences inside the castle.

All documents should be emailed to karen.ryan@fingal.ie for any filming inside the castle or contact Karen on + 353 1 8492212. Any other filming inside the park should contact Fingal County Council directly.

Talk by Head Gardener, Dominica McKevitt.

Thursday 16th February at 11am

Free of charge

Limited places/Booking essential.

This is the first in a series of talks that will center around the vegetable garden at Ardgillan. The head gardener will explain how to maintain a vegetable garden and also its many uses. Produce from our vegetable garden is currently used in Paws at Ardgillan.

This talk will begin in the castle with a chance to sow seeds, then participants will get the opportunity to explore the vegetable garden at Ardgillan.

Participants can take their own seeds & containers with them and will be guided through the sowing process.

A Brief History

The demesne consists of the ancient townlands of Kilmainham, Ardgillan and Baltray. The district was originally controlled by the Gaelic O’Casey family and later the Earl of Tyrconnell.

However, the period 1600 – 1700 saw great changes in the pattern of land ownership in Ireland due to the confiscation and redistribution of land after the Cromwellian and Williamite wars (1640s and 1680s respectively).
In 1658, the “Down Survey” records that Ardgillan was owned by a wine merchant, Robert Usher of Tallaght, Dublin and by 1737, the property had been acquired by the Reverend Robert Taylor, one of the Headfort Taylors, whose grand-father had collaborated with Sir William Petty on the mid 17th century “Down Survey of Ireland”.

Ardgillan remained the family home of the Taylors (later changed to Taylour) for more than two hundred years up until 1962 when the estate was sold to Heinrich Potts of Westphalia, Germany. In 1982, Dublin County Council purchased Ardgillan Demesne and it is now managed by Ardgillan Castle Ltd. under the auspices of Fingal County Council.

The Castle

Although referred to as a Castle, the residence at Ardgillan is a large country-styled house with castellated embellishments. Originally named “Prospect House”, the central section was built in 1738 by Robert Taylor, with the west and east wings added in the late 1800s.

Initially the site was heavily wooded, the name Ardgillan being derived from the Irish “Ard Choill” meaning High Wood. It was cleared out by service soldiers and itinerant workers in return for one penny a day, sleeping accommodation and one meal.

The house consists of two storeys over a basement which extends out under the lawns on the southern side of the building. When occupied, the ground and first floors were the living accommodations while the west and east wings were servants’ quarters and estate offices. The basement comprised of the service floor, the kitchen and stores.
The Castle has now been restored and the ground floor rooms and kitchens are open to visitors for guided tours.

Civil Weddings at Stunning Ardgillan

The perfect romantic setting can really help set the tone for your wedding day. A wedding at Ardgillan is a chance to significantly enhance your special day – and the elegant Ardgillan Castle provides the perfect backdrop for couples who choose to have a civil wedding.

Ardgillan Castle and Demesne is Ireland’s hidden gem. Set in spectacular parklands overlooking the Irish Sea, as well as the castle, the demesne features a walled garden, rose garden, Potentilla garden and a magnificent herbaceous border all of which present a marvellous profusion of colour for photographs.

Our civil ceremonies take place in the opulent atmosphere of the castle Drawing Room. Filled with period features, paintings, artifacts and grand decoration, the beautifully-appointed Drawing Room is the most extravagant room in the castle with views out over the front elevation of the demesne and the Irish Sea beyond.

The bride and groom are seated at the focal point of the room with the superb backdrop of the conservatory providing a luxurious frame of foliage for the duration of the ceremony.

Wedding guests are also afforded the use of the sumptuous entrance hall and the plush surrounds of the Dining Room for wedding photographs.

As well as its lavish and meticulously-groomed gardens, the spectacular surroundings at Ardgillan also provide unique photograph opportunities for couples to capture their wedding day for posterity and create memories that will last forever.

Tea Room facilities are available and a tranquil walk in the gardens for guests with any free time to relax.

The Ardgillan Castle Bigfoot Experience (Popular with school tours)

The average Bigfoot tour to Ardgillan takes approximately 2 hours. During this time, the school/group will get the opportunity to explore Ardgillan Castle & Gardens.

On the tour the schools/groups can experience how life used to be in the castle.

Schools/groups are encouraged to bring their own packed lunch which can be enjoyed in any of the expansive picnic areas, or indoors if desired. Children’s packed lunches are available but must be booked in advance.

After lunch, the children will then be taken on a walk through the gardens, where they will see many varieties of trees, plants, flowers and herbs.

Whilst in the gardens the children may encounter the scary figure of the Ardgillan Bigfoot. He’s really a friendly Bigfoot, and people say that he’s more afraid of us than we are of him.

To round off an action-packed visit, schools/groups can avail of our state-of-the-art playground or enjoy a leisurely walk around the park.

Prices are from €7.00 per child (Minimum of 20 children)For more information or to check availability Contact us.

Royalty at Ardgillan Castle

Would you like to be King or Queen of the Castle?

Our children’s parties have proved to be a huge success since they were introduced in the summer of 2010. Our entertainment team put on a fantabulous interactive show making the Ardgillan children & family parties legendary in these here parts, providing you with the East Coast’s most unique & spectacular parties, catering for up to 25 children, which, include:

A Party Entertainer
Private Party Area (Fully Decorated)
Regal Costumes For Everyone
Mini Disco & Games
Interactive Story Telling Tour
Light Food Options

Prices:

10-13 Children €180

14-16 Children €200

17-20 Children €225

up to 25 Children €245

Please note maximum capacity for children on the party is 25.

A non-refundable deposit of €75 is required to secure your booking.

To book your unique party contact: eventardgillan@fingal.ie or simply call Ardgillan Children’s Parties on 01 8492212